Grip and fitting assemblies and kits utilizing the same

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/233,006 filed Aug. 10, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/287,420 filed Jan. 26, 2016, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein relates generally to the field of grip fitting assemblies for tube and hose connections. More specifically, the present invention provides improved operation, installation, durability, weather-resistance, and reliability of flexible grips, grip fittings and grip fitting assemblies for tube and hose line connections and kits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Applications of grips, fittings and grip fitting assemblies for tube and hose line connections and kits within industrial and commercial environments require resistance to harsh environments and reliability under stress and strain forces during installation and operation. Such tube and hose lines may involve high pressure hydraulics or air and often require some flexibility of the tube or hose.

For example, air hose connections are commonly found in applications within the freight hauling industry. Such connections use a device known as a gladhand or gladhand coupler. This is an interlocking hose coupling fitted to hoses supplying pressurized air for air brake operation between a tractor cab unit and a freight trailer, or from a locomotive to railway air brakes on railroad cars. Gladhand couplers resemble a pair of “hands shaking” when interlocked and from where their name is derived. Gladhands are designed to allow the driver to manually disconnect hoses between tractor/trailer or between railcars without a mechanic or tools. They sometimes are quick release to speed up brake release time. Often, gladhands are color coded with service lines being blue and emergency brake lines being red. Mated rubber grommets provide a positive seal, and the joined halves may separate during operation if certain pull stresses are present at the hose or tube connection. Gladhand couplers are typically standardized in size and mating geometry which allows them to be connected to each other, for example allowing either end of a railcar to be connected to the end of a train or for one trucking company's tractor cabs to connect to any number of freight trailers.

Inherent to the freight industry is the constant coupling and decoupling of gladhand connections as trailers are left for loading or unloading and other trailers are picked up for delivery. Gladhands are of course affixed to a length of air hose or tube. The manual act of coupling and decoupling gladhands places stress and strain upon the connected hose. This is exacerbated by the fact that gladhands are prone to corrosion making their mating surfaces more difficult to couple and uncouple over time. During installation and operation of an air brake hose in the freight hauling context, the flexible hose undergoes stress from bending, twisting, and kinking, particularly at the fitting ends of the air brake lines. For instance, tractor-trailer operators subject air brake lines to twisting while bending them into position in tight quarters between tractor and trailer. Drivers and fleet maintenance personnel repetitively connect and disconnect air brake lines between the tractor and trailer using hand holds on the hose at the fittings to achieve the needed leverage to secure and release gladhand connections. Connection of tractor to trailer using integrated, multiple hose and tube and cable assemblies, or “kits,” requires flexibility in the manner of coupling the multiple fittings to their respective fixed air and hydraulic connections.

Conventional grips, fittings and grip fitting assemblies, however, do not offer sufficient protection against kinking of the hose and tube at the gladhand connections. Conventional hose and tube assemblies using only coiled springs at the fittings are subject to corrosion, and provide inadequate protection from the shearing action that takes place during gladhand connection where the spring coils shift and do not prevent kinking and bending during installation and operation. Some rigid grip aids to the gladhand connection process create a more severe angle during tight radius turns putting further stress on air brake lines at the gladhands, reducing the life of air brake hoses and risking failure under operation of the tractor-trailer air brake system.

When not in use (e.g., tractor cab not connected to a tractor trailer), air hoses are often stored in a manner such that the weight of the dangling gladhand stresses the hose to which the gladhand is connected. Further, gladhand connections to the hose, which often include grips, fittings and grip fitting assemblies, undergo continuous exposure to the elements while in use, often in frigid conditions. Winter road salts and brine, dirt, grease, and other solvents erode fittings and assemblies of critical air brake connections. For tractor-trailer connections, protection of fittings that join the air hose and gladhand from the elements with weather resistant, low-temperature materials and coatings is essential to the safety of the driver and public highway motorists.

What is needed is a coupling mechanism that overcomes these and other disadvantages of conventional fittings and fitting assemblies.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present teachings can be practiced with embodiments other than those summarized or disclosed below by the Figures and Detailed Description of the Invention to follow.

In general, the present invention includes a tapered flexible grip and interlocking fitting which combined form a grip fitting assembly. The assembly is used to connect a coupling mechanism such as, but not limited to, a gladhand to a length of hose or tubing. It should be understood that hose and tubing, while sometimes used synonymously, have one major difference. Hoses are generally reinforced in some way. Typical reinforcements are imbedded braid reinforcement, wire reinforcement, reinforcement with a stiffer plastic or other material, dual walls or a very heavy wall. Hose is typically used and rated for applications that involve high pressure. Tubing is not reinforced or is sparsely reinforced and is often used for gravity flow or lower pressure applications.

For purposes of the following discussion, the term “hose” will be used though should not be considered as limiting the invention. Likewise, the exemplary embodiment of the inventive assembly being used within a gladhand coupling tractor and trailer air hoses should be understood as but one example of an implementation of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention may be implemented within a variety of tube and hose line connections for many industrial and commercial applications.

The present invention includes a grip and fitting assembly including: a flexible tapered grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to the interior seating surface, and at least one keyway boss located within a sidewall of the substantially tubular interior along the annular lip and adjacent to the interior seating surface; a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between the first coupling end and the second coupling end, and an exterior seating surface located between the retaining shoulder and the first coupling end, the retaining shoulder including at least one keyway recess suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to the at least one keyway boss; wherein the at least one keyway boss and the at least one keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of the interior seating surface with the exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between the grip and the fitting.

The present invention also includes a grip and fitting assembly for coupling an air hose to a gladhand coupler, the assembly including: a flexible tapered grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to the interior seating surface, and three keyway bosses located within a sidewall of the substantially tubular interior, the keyway bosses spaced equidistantly along the annular lip and adjacent to the interior seating surface; a fitting having a first coupling end threaded to accept a gladhand coupler, a second coupling end barbed to accept and retain a length of air hose thereon, a retaining shoulder located between the first coupling end and the second coupling end, and an exterior seating surface located between the retaining shoulder and the first coupling end, the retaining shoulder including three keyway recesses each suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to a related one of the keyway bosses; wherein the keyway bosses and the keyway recesses are configured to interlock upon abutment of the interior seating surface with the exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between the grip and the fitting.

In one aspect of the invention there is included a grip and fitting assembly including a grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to said interior seating surface. There is at least one keyway boss projecting from a sidewall of said substantially tubular interior and positioned about said annular lip and adjacent to said interior seating surface and a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between said first coupling end and said second coupling end. There is an exterior seating surface located between said retaining shoulder and said first coupling end and the retaining shoulder includes at least one keyway recess suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to said at least one keyway boss. The at least one keyway boss and said at least one keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between said grip and said fitting.

In one or more embodiments the following features may be included. The retaining shoulder may have an outermost diameter greater than an innermost diameter of said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a ramped surface, adjacent said second coupling end, facilitating movement of said retaining shoulder across said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a shoulder surface opposite said ramped surface and perpendicular to said exterior seating surface. The shoulder surface and said annular lip may be configured to snap fit against one another upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a first direction. The first coupling end may include a threaded portion configured to accept a universal coupling mechanism. The universal coupling mechanism may be a gladhand. The fitting may further include a nut member positioned between the threading portion and the exterior surface configured to contact the first end of the grip upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a second direction. The second coupling end may be barbed to accept a flexible conduit and wherein the second coupling end is located within the substantially tubular interior of the grip. The flexible conduit may be a length of air hose. There may be more than one said keyway boss and, correspondingly, more than one said keyway recess. There may be included a rail located at a second end of said grip opposite said first end, said rail being thickened. The grip may be formed of a flexible material having a thickness which decreases from the first end of the grip to the rail.

In another aspect of the invention there is included a hose assembly including a hose having a first end and a second end, a swivel coupling affixed to the first end of the hose, a grip and fitting assembly affixed to the second end of the hose. The grip and fitting assembly includes a grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to said interior seating surface. There is at least one keyway boss projecting from a sidewall of said substantially tubular interior and positioned about said annular lip and adjacent to said interior seating surface and a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between said first coupling end and said second coupling end. There is an exterior seating surface located between said retaining shoulder and said first coupling end and the retaining shoulder includes at least one keyway recess suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to said at least one keyway boss. The at least one keyway boss and said at least one keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between said grip and said fitting.

In other embodiments the following features may be included. The retaining shoulder may have an outermost diameter greater than an innermost diameter of said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a ramped surface, adjacent said second coupling end, facilitating movement of said retaining shoulder across said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a shoulder surface opposite said ramped surface and perpendicular to said exterior seating surface. The shoulder surface and said annular lip may be configured to snap fit against one another upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a first direction. The first coupling end may include a threaded portion configured to accept a universal coupling mechanism. The universal coupling mechanism may be a gladhand. The fitting may further include a nut member positioned between the threading portion and the exterior surface configured to contact the first end of the grip upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a second direction. The second coupling end may be barbed to accept a flexible conduit and wherein the second coupling end is located within the substantially tubular interior of the grip. The flexible conduit may be a length of air hose. There may be more than one said keyway boss and, correspondingly, more than one said keyway recess. There may be a rail located at a second end of said grip opposite said first end, said rail being thickened. The grip may be formed of a flexible material having a thickness which decreases from the first end of the grip to the rail.

In yet another aspect of the invention there is included a kit having a plurality of hose assemblies, at least one of the hose assemblies including a hose having a first end and a second end, a swivel coupling affixed to the first end of the hose, and a grip and fitting assembly affixed to the second end of the hose. The grip and fitting assembly includes a grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to said interior seating surface. There is at least one keyway boss projecting from a sidewall of said substantially tubular interior and positioned about said annular lip and adjacent to said interior seating surface and a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between said first coupling end and said second coupling end. There is an exterior seating surface located between said retaining shoulder and said first coupling end and the retaining shoulder includes at least one keyway recess suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to said at least one keyway boss. The at least one keyway boss and said at least one keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between said grip and said fitting.

In yet other embodiments the following features may be included. The retaining shoulder may have an outermost diameter greater than an innermost diameter of said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a ramped surface, adjacent said second coupling end, facilitating movement of said retaining shoulder across said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a shoulder surface opposite said ramped surface and perpendicular to said exterior seating surface. The shoulder surface and said annular lip may be configured to snap fit against one another upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a first direction. The first coupling end may include a threaded portion configured to accept a universal coupling mechanism. The universal coupling mechanism may be a gladhand. The fitting may further include a nut member positioned between the threading portion and the exterior surface configured to contact the first end of the grip upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a second direction. The second coupling end may be barbed to accept a flexible conduit and wherein the second coupling end is located within the substantially tubular interior of the grip. The flexible conduit may be a length of air hose. There may be included more than one said keyway boss and, correspondingly, more than one said keyway recess. There may be a rail located at a second end of said grip opposite said first end, said rail being thickened. The grip may be formed of a flexible material having a thickness which decreases from the first end of the grip to the rail.

In another aspect of the invention there is included a grip and fitting assembly comprising a grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to said interior seating surface, and a plurality of bosses projecting from a sidewall of said substantially tubular interior and positioned about said annular lip and adjacent to said interior seating surface. There is a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between said first coupling end and said second coupling end, and an exterior seating surface located between said retaining shoulder and said first coupling end. The retaining shoulder includes a plurality of keyway recesses suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to said plurality of keyway bosses and the plurality of keyway bosses and said like plurality of keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between said grip and said fitting. The retaining shoulder includes a ramped surface, adjacent said second coupling end, facilitating movement of said retaining shoulder across said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder further includes a shoulder surface opposite said ramped surface and perpendicular to said exterior seating surface and the shoulder surface and said annular lip are configured to snap fit against one another upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a first direction.

The above and other benefits and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the Brief Description of the Drawings and the Invention and Detailed Description to follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a perspective view of flexible tapered grip assembly according to the present invention shown with grip and fitting sections disconnected;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a side view of a complete flexible tapered grip assembly of the invention connected with related elements shown in silhouette;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an end view of the grip section of the invention, the end view being from the right end of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a side section view of the grip section of the invention taken along line <b>4</b>-<b>4</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A through 5C</figref> show a series of close-up side views with the fitting section shown intact and a partial length of the grip section shown in a cutaway lengthwise cross section so as to illustrate the before, during, and after stages of fitting insertion into the grip;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a side view of the complete flexible tapered grip assembly of the invention connected with related elements shown in silhouette taken along line <b>6</b>-<b>6</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows a close-up view of the flexible tapered grip assembly according to the present invention shown with grip and fitting sections disconnected and the grip section partially cutaway to reveal internal keyway boss structures;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is an exploded perspective view of the swivel coupling assembly according to this invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> show a cross-sectional view of the swivel coupling assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> taken along line B-B;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the swivel coupling assembly according to an aspect of this invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref> show a cross-sectional view of the swivel coupling assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> taken along line B′-B′;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A and 12B</figref> are a perspective views of hose assemblies with single and dual swivel couplings, respectively, according to an aspect of this invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13A and 13B</figref> are perspective views of a hose assemblies having swivel couplings installed gladhand “swinger” fixtures, according to an aspect of this invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a perspective view of another hose assembly with a swivel coupling according to an aspect of this invention installed at one end of the hose and a taper grip assembly at the other end of the hose;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A and 15B</figref> are perspective views of kits including hose and tube assemblies having a swivel coupling according to an aspect of this invention installed at one end of the hose and a taper grip assembly at the other end of the hose; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16A and 16B</figref> shows various components optionally used in the assemblies and kits incorporating swivel couplings and/or flexible tapered grip shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-15</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully herein with reference to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Embodiments and implementations set forth in the following detailed description do not represent all embodiments and implementations of the claimed invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present teachings can be practiced with embodiments other than those summarized or disclosed below by the Figures and Detailed Description of the Invention to follow.

For purposes of the following discussion, the terms “hose” and “tube” may be used throughout interchangeably and should not be considered as limiting the invention. Use of either term is meant to encompass both hoses and tubes and all applicable types of such hoses and tubes. Likewise, the exemplary embodiments may describe particular connectors, flexible tapered grips and couplers/connectors, including swivel couplings, however, it should be understood that these are examples of implementations of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention may be implemented within a variety of connectors, flexible tapered grips and couplers/connectors including swivel couplings.

Further, the invention is described herein with regard to transportation applications, in particular trucking; however, there may be other equally suitable applications of the present invention outside of the context of trucking and such applications are well within the intended scope of the present disclosure. In particular, the present invention may be applicable to any suitable mobile or fixed implementations including, but not limited to, air or gas, hydraulic connections, fuel or other fluid transfer, land or marine connections, airplane terminal vestibules, and/or ship-to-shore connections.

A flexible tapered grip assembly for installation in accordance with an aspect of the invention will first be described. Following the description of the flexible tapered grip assembly will be a description of the improved swivel coupling according to another aspect of the invention and then certain hose assemblies/kits using the flexible tapered grip assembly and/or the swivel coupling will be described.

Flexible Tapered Grip

With regard to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, there is seen a three-dimensional illustration showing a flexible tapered grip assembly in accordance with the present invention shown with two sections, one being a fitting <b>10</b> and the other being a grip <b>20</b>. For purposes of illustration, the assembly is shown where the fitting <b>10</b> and grip <b>20</b> are in a disconnected position relative to one another.

The grip <b>20</b> is a both flexible and tapered. Flexibility of the grip provides the ability of the grip to bend and yet return to its original shape. The grip <b>20</b> itself is a unitary structure fabricated from material suitable for the intended trucking environment which may be hostile to materials—i.e., where wide temperature variations occur and exposure to road salt and a variety of chemicals may occur. One suitable material includes thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) which are part of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) family of polymers. TPVs offer a combination of elastomeric properties, like compression and tension set, coupled with aging performance and chemical resistance. Other materials such as, but not limited to, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) thermoset rubber, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be possible depending upon the intended environment. For example, PVC may not be suitably used for an intended cold weather implementation where flexibility is severely limited at reduced environmental temperatures. The grip <b>20</b> may be formed in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, injection molding. It should also be understood that the grip may be colored during molding and provided in a variety of color schemes (i.e., color coded) in accordance with any desired implementation (e.g. red for emergency brake lines, blue for service lines) and which assists to minimize incorrect tractor/trailer connections

With continued reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and additional reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the grip <b>20</b> is seen as tapered from end to end. In particular, the grip <b>20</b> has an increased thickness at a first end <b>23</b> tapering to an opposite, second end that includes a tear-resistant rail <b>22</b>. The rail <b>22</b> is thickened so as to form a suitably reinforced ring around a length of air hose (shown by dotted line <b>30</b>). Oftentimes, such portion of air hose also includes a spring guard (not shown) to assist and support the flexing of the hose. Providing the thickened rail <b>22</b> at the spring guard end of the grip <b>20</b> prevents tearing of the grip <b>20</b> and improves kink resistance of hose and tube made of weather resistant, low-temperature materials and coatings.

The grip <b>20</b> includes traction ridges <b>21</b> for an additional non-slip feature when the grip <b>20</b> is handled by a user. Recessed areas <b>26</b> (and <b>27</b> visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>) may be provided for corporate labeling or cosmetic logos.

A fitting <b>10</b> is also shown in accordance with the inventive assembly. The fitting <b>10</b> includes a first coupling end <b>15</b> and a second coupling end <b>12</b> between which is located an exterior seating surface <b>11</b>. It is the exterior seating surface <b>11</b> of the fitting <b>10</b> and the interior seating surface <b>24</b> of the grip <b>20</b> which are intended to abut upon insertion of the fitting <b>10</b> into the first end <b>23</b> of the grip <b>20</b>. Such insertion is shown and described further below with regard to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A through 5C</figref>.

With continued reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the fitting <b>10</b> is seen to include a retaining shoulder <b>17</b> located between the first coupling end <b>12</b> and the second coupling end <b>15</b>. The retaining shoulder <b>17</b> has two sides with two very distinct purposes. One side of the retaining shoulder <b>17</b> includes a ramped surface <b>16</b>. The ramped surface <b>16</b> is intended as the part of the fitting <b>10</b> which first contacts the first end <b>23</b> of the grip <b>20</b> upon insertion of the fitting <b>10</b> into the grip <b>20</b>. The interior seating surface <b>11</b> may also include a beveled edge which facilitates the ramped surface <b>16</b> to at least initially contact the interior seating surface <b>11</b>. The other side of the retaining shoulder <b>17</b> includes a shoulder surface <b>13</b>. The shoulder surface <b>13</b> is opposite the ramped surface <b>16</b> and is oriented perpendicular to the exterior seating surface <b>11</b>.

The fitting <b>10</b> itself is formed from a corrosion-resistant material such as, but not limited to brass. The first end <b>15</b> of the fitting is provided with threading and a hex-nut section <b>14</b> of the fitting <b>10</b> is provided to enable a user to utilize a wrench to connect the fitting <b>10</b> to a coupling mechanism (shown in dotted line as <b>40</b>). The coupling mechanism <b>40</b> may be any suitable universal coupling mechanism such as, but not limited to, the aforementioned gladhand or similar coupler. As should be readily apparent from the description thus far and the accompanying <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the inventive grip and fitting assembly provides a new and useful means of connecting a universal coupling <b>40</b> to a length of hose <b>30</b>.

With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, there are respectively shown an end view and a side cross section view of the grip <b>20</b>. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an end view of the grip section of the invention, the end view being from the right end of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> while <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a side section view of the grip section of the invention taken along line <b>4</b>-<b>4</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Here, the grip <b>20</b> is seen to include three keyway bosses <b>28</b><i>a</i>, <b>28</b><i>b</i>, <b>28</b><i>c </i>with only two <b>28</b><i>a</i>, <b>28</b><i>b </i>visible in cross section <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

It should be understood that each keyway boss <b>28</b><i>a</i>, <b>28</b><i>b</i>, <b>28</b><i>c </i>corresponds to a keyway recess <b>19</b> located on the fitting <b>10</b>. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the retaining shoulder <b>17</b> includes such keyway recesses and which are suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond a related keyway boss though only one of three such keyway recesses are visible. From <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, it can be seen that each keyway boss (<b>28</b><i>a </i>and <b>28</b><i>b </i>visible) are located within a sidewall <b>25</b> of the substantially tubular interior <b>25</b> of the grip <b>20</b>. More specifically, each keyway boss is arranged along an annular lip <b>29</b> and adjacent to the interior seating surface <b>24</b>. It should be noted that while three keyway bosses and three corresponding keyway recesses are discussed, there may be any number of suitable pairs of keyway bosses and recesses such as, but not limited to, one, two, or four.

The annular lip <b>29</b> is configured perpendicular to the interior seating surface <b>24</b> and provides a surface against which the shoulder surface <b>13</b> of the fitting's shoulder <b>17</b> firmly abuts once the fitting <b>10</b> is completely inserted within the first end <b>23</b> of the grip <b>20</b>.

With regard to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A through 5C</figref>, there are illustrated a series of close-up side views showing the fitting along with a partial length of the grip. The partial length of the grip is illustrated as a cutaway lengthwise cross section so as to show a chronological series of before, during, and after stages of fitting insertion into the grip.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, the ramped surface <b>16</b> of the fitting first meets the outer edge of the interior seating surface <b>24</b>. Such outer edge of the interior seating surface <b>24</b> may be beveled to facilitate movement of retaining shoulder <b>17</b> through and over the entirety of the interior seating surface <b>24</b>. Here, it is also visible that the retaining shoulder <b>17</b> is sized with an outer dimension slightly larger than the inner dimension of the interior seating surface <b>24</b>.

It should be understood that the material from which the grip is fabricated will have elastic qualities such that the interior seating surface <b>24</b> will expand to allow the retaining should <b>17</b> to ride over it, but snap back into place once the retaining shoulder <b>17</b> is completely through and past the interior retaining surface <b>24</b>. This snap-fit action results in the configuration seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref>. Here, the interior seating surface <b>24</b> is shown abutting the exterior seating surface <b>11</b> of the fitting. Likewise, the annular lip <b>29</b> of the grip is shown abutting the shoulder surface <b>13</b> which effectively permanently retains the fitting within the grip. Moreover, in such configuration shown, each keyway boss <b>28</b><i>a</i>-<b>28</b><i>c </i>and each corresponding keyway recess <b>19</b> interlock with one another upon abutment of the interior seating surface <b>24</b> with the exterior seating surface <b>11</b> so as to preclude rotational movement between the grip and the fitting. In this manner, both rotational and axial movement of the fitting within grip is prevented as the two are locked into place.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a side view of the complete flexible tapered grip assembly taken along line <b>6</b>-<b>6</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Here, the invention is shown after the fitting is snap-fit into the grip and after the fitting is threaded to a coupling mechanism <b>40</b> and length of tubing <b>30</b>. In particular, it should be noted that the fitting includes barbs <b>12</b><i>a</i>, or some suitable structure, which retain the length of tubing <b>30</b> upon the fitting. The tubular interior <b>25</b> of the grip itself is also suitably larger than the outer diameter of the tubing <b>30</b> so as to allow both unrestricted movement of the tube and yet still allow the grip to function as a strain relief boot with integrated fitting for hydraulic connections. Thus, the present invention is a dual purpose strain relief boot and a grip for manual manipulation of a coupler (e.g., gladhand). Likewise, the space provided between the tubular interior <b>25</b> and the outer diameter of the tubing <b>30</b> also enables a coil spring (not shown) to be inserted over the tubing <b>30</b> all the way up to the fitting, further enhancing flexibility of the inventive assembly.

The strain relief aspect of the present invention also provides an “anti-kinking” characteristic such that the tubing attached to the fitting through the tapered grip section is precluded from kinking. Unrestricted movement of the tube within the grip at the end opposite the fitting occurs only to a point at which bending of the given tube will result in the tube coming into contact with the sidewall of the grip. Due to the tapered nature of the grip, the ability of the grip to bend along with the tube is a function of the thickness of the grip. The thinner end will therefore bend along with the abutting tube in a manner that is proportional with the varied thickness of the grip wall. This tapering provides flexible support of the tube while inhibiting the ability of the tube to kink. This is effective against kinking that may otherwise (in the absence of the present invention) occur during the time of connection or at the time of operation (e.g., during a turning of the tractor cab relative to the trailer). Elongation of the grip may be provided so as to further enhance the anti-kinking characteristics of the present invention. In such elongation instance, the grip may be provided in successively tapering sections interconnected to one another.

It should therefore be understood that the sidewall of the flexible tapered grip decreases in thickness along the substantially tubular interior from fitting end to a tear-resistant rail end, so as to oppose kinking of the tube during installation and operation. Moreover, the tear-resistant rail engages with the tube upon minimal bending radius, so as to provide freedom of movement of the tube during initial bending. Thus, the opposing of kinking of the tube is an increasing function of the decrease in thickness from fitting end to rail end and elongation of the flexible tapered grip. In this manner, the grip is elongated along the tube so as to increase anti-kinking characteristics of the overall grip and fitting assembly relative to the tube.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is provided so as to more clearly illustrate the details of the internal keyway boss structures. Here, a close-up view of the flexible tapered grip assembly according to the present invention shows the grip and fitting sections disconnected and the grip section partially cutaway to reveal the internal keyway bosses <b>28</b><i>a</i>, <b>28</b><i>b</i>. Though three exist, it should be readily apparent that due to the cutaway aspect of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> only two are shown. From this figure, it should be readily apparent that each keyway boss is formed integrally with the grip as part of the sidewall of the tubular interior <b>25</b>. Moreover, the keyway boss has a surface that is collinear with the interior seating surface <b>24</b>. Thus, the keyway boss structures are internal and integral with the unitarily formed grip.

In terms of implementation and use of the present invention, when used in conjunction with the all brass, corrosion-resistance fittings of the present invention, the grip and fitting assembly of the present invention provides improved bend and kink resistance during installation, operation, and gladhand connections and disconnections. Specifically, the present invention provides an improved thermo-composite flexible tapered grip and fitting design, the grip having increased thickness at the fitting end tapering to a tear-resistant rail at the hose and tube end of the fitting. The flexible tapered grip and grip fitting of the present invention further simplifies manufacture of the grip fitting assembly reducing cost and providing for longer operational life under bending and kinking.

Swivel Coupling

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, there is shown a swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b>, according to another aspect of this invention, in an exploded view depicting the two sub-assemblies, namely, annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b> and annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b>. When joined the sub-assemblies form a rotatable coupling to interconnect, for example, two fluid carrying hoses (not shown), one affixed to each sub-assembly at ends <b>112</b> (barb insert end) and <b>154</b> (fitting assembly end), respectively. It should be noted that various size hoses may be accommodated by changing the sizes of the ends <b>112</b> (barb insert end) and <b>154</b> (fitting assembly end) of the sub-assemblies and the overall diameter of the swivel coupling assembly.

Barb insert assembly <b>110</b> is a machined metallic part formed of brass or a comparable material having an outer surface <b>111</b> with a varying radius along its length and an inner surface <b>113</b> defining a bore through which fluid may flow between the hoses interconnected by the swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b>. On outer surface <b>111</b> of barb insert assembly <b>110</b> there is a barb insert <b>114</b> spaced from barb insert end <b>112</b>, along the longitudinal axis A of barb insert assembly <b>110</b>, and at the opposite end of said assembly. Beginning at end <b>112</b> are formed a series of annular barbs <b>115</b> (in this example there are four but there may be greater or fewer depending on the application) which are designed to be inserted into a hose up to approximately shoulder <b>116</b> and provide a certain amount of gripping force to hold the hose in place on barb insert assembly <b>110</b>. The amount of gripping force may not be sufficient to hold the hose in place in the hostile environments encountered by these components, therefore, a metal crimp (not shown) may be installed over the hose in the area of the barb insert assembly to more securely hold the hose in place.

Between shoulder <b>116</b> and barb insert <b>114</b> are formed three annular grooves <b>117</b>, <b>118</b>, and <b>119</b> in outer surface <b>111</b> of barb insert assembly <b>110</b>. The groove closest to shoulder <b>116</b> may be a retaining ring groove <b>117</b> in which retaining ring <b>120</b> is disposed. The diameter of the retaining ring <b>120</b> is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface <b>111</b> in the area adjacent to the retaining ring groove <b>117</b>, which results in the retaining ring protruding above the outer surface <b>111</b> when it is disposed in the retaining ring groove <b>117</b>. Retaining ring <b>120</b> may be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel, carbon steel or the like, to provide it with sufficient stiffness to hold the two sub-assemblies in place when they are interconnected, as described below. Retaining ring <b>120</b> is constructed in the form of a coil so that as force is applied about the circumference it compresses and its diameter is reduced and when the force is terminated the ring expands to its neutral position with an increased diameter. The width of groove <b>117</b> is only slightly larger than the width of retaining ring <b>120</b>, allowing for insertion of the ring but providing a friction fit so as to retain it in place.

Grooves (or glands) <b>118</b> and <b>119</b> are also disposed in outer surface <b>111</b>, but they are further along the longitudinal axis A and closer to barb insert <b>114</b> than groove <b>117</b>. Grooves <b>118</b> and <b>119</b> may have a width greater than groove <b>117</b>, so they can accommodate O-ring seals <b>130</b> and <b>140</b>, respectively, which may have a greater width than retaining ring <b>120</b>. The diameters of O-ring seals <b>130</b> and <b>140</b> are slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface <b>111</b> in the area adjacent to grooves <b>118</b> and <b>119</b>, which results in the O-ring seals protruding just above the outer surface <b>111</b> when they are disposed in the grooves. In this example, groove <b>119</b> abuts barb insert <b>114</b>.

Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, at end <b>154</b> of annular fitting assembly <b>150</b> are a series of threads <b>153</b> on the outer surface for engaging with the inner surface of a hose (not shown), for example. Opposite end <b>151</b> has a hexagonal nut <b>152</b>, which may be engaged by a wrench or other appropriate tool to apply torque to the annular fitting assembly <b>150</b> as it is installed on the hose. Inner surface <b>153</b> defines a bore through which fluid may flow between the hoses interconnected by the swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b>.

A cross-sectional view of swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> with annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b> and annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b> joined to form a rotatable coupling. When the sub-assemblies are joined, outer surface <b>111</b> of barb insert assembly <b>110</b> (within fitting assembly <b>150</b>) is mated with inner surface <b>155</b> annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b> and barb insert <b>114</b> is substantially aligned with end <b>154</b>. At the opposite end <b>151</b> of annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b>, barb insert shoulder <b>116</b> is mated with inner surface <b>155</b> and forms a frictional connection to allow for rotation of the annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b> with respect to the annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b>.

Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref>, retaining ring <b>120</b> is positioned in annular recess <b>160</b> formed in inner surface <b>155</b> and also in retaining ring groove <b>117</b>. In this position, the annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b> and annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b> are locked together in place preventing them from being pulled apart. Retaining ring <b>120</b> is designed to withstand axial forces sufficiently greater than those likely to be encountered by the components under normal environmental conditions.

O-ring seals <b>130</b> and <b>140</b> are shown in a compressed state in annular grooves/glands <b>118</b> and <b>119</b>, respectively, since the diameter of the bore in annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b> defined by inner surface <b>155</b> is slightly smaller than the diameters of O-ring seals <b>130</b> and <b>140</b>. This forms tight seals with inner surface <b>155</b> to prevent fluids from flowing in the gap defined by outer surface <b>111</b> of annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b> and inner surface <b>155</b> of annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b>. In addition, wide bearing surfaces <b>131</b> and <b>141</b> are included adjacent to O-rings <b>130</b> and <b>140</b>, respectively, which are in contact with and bear against inner surface <b>155</b> of annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b> to provide stable bearing surfaces to protect the O-rings from abnormal loading. This is particularly important as the components wear over time and may otherwise become susceptible to wobble during rotation. By wide, what is meant is that the bearing surfaces are at least as wide as the width of the annular grooves/glands <b>118</b> and <b>119</b> and preferably wider. The typical range for each bearing surface may be from 1 to 3.5 times wider than the annular grooves. In this embodiment, it should be noted that bearing surface <b>131</b> is the external surface of barb insert <b>114</b>.

By way of example, bearing surface <b>131</b> may be 0.186 in. in width and bearing surface <b>141</b> may be 0.113 in. in width. With annular grooves <b>118</b>/<b>119</b> having a width of 0.095 in. the bearing surfaces <b>131</b> and <b>141</b> are respectively 1.19 and 1.86 times the width of the annular grooves. These dimensions are provided only as an example and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

The O-ring seals <b>130</b> and <b>140</b> as well as the retaining ring <b>120</b> and the outer surface <b>111</b> in the region of the annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b> inside the bore of annular fitting sub-assembly may be coated with a lubricant to provide for a smoother and easier insertion and rotational movement when the coupling is installed. To further facilitate a smoother and easier insertion, proximate end <b>151</b> of annular fitting assembly <b>150</b>, the opening to the bore defined by inner surface <b>155</b> at location <b>162</b> is shown to have a wider diameter than the nominal diameter of the bore, such as at location <b>164</b> and throughout the rest of the bore to end <b>154</b> (excluding annular recess <b>160</b>). From location <b>164</b> to <b>162</b> the diameter of inner surface <b>155</b> gradually increases at fixed angle relative to longitudinal axis A (approximately 5 to 10 degrees) about the circumference of the bore, thus forming a frusto-conically shaped section between locations <b>162</b> and <b>164</b>. From location <b>162</b> to the end <b>151</b> is formed a chamfered outer edge <b>166</b> which further helps in the smooth insertion of the annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b> into the annular fitting assembly. In particular, chamfered edge <b>166</b> is helpful in transitioning the retaining ring <b>120</b> as it goes from its normal expanded position and it begins to be compressed when it enters the bore.

During the assembly process, as retaining ring <b>120</b> encounters chamfered edge <b>166</b> it is guided into place and once it enters the bore at location <b>162</b> the force and compression on retaining ring <b>120</b> begins and gradually increases until the ring reaches location <b>164</b>. As the retaining ring is pressed further into the bore beyond location <b>164</b>, it encounters annular recess <b>160</b>, at which point the force on the circumference of the retaining ring <b>120</b> is removed and retaining ring <b>120</b> expands and locks in place in annular recess <b>160</b>. Once locked in place in annular recess <b>160</b>, the retaining ring <b>120</b> prevents further movement of annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b> in either direction in the bore. Once in the installed position it can be seen that the outer surface of shoulder <b>116</b> is angled in a complimentary fashion to the inner surface <b>155</b> of the annular fitting assembly in that region to allow for a proper frictional fit and enable rotation between the two sub-assemblies.

An alternative embodiment of the swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11A</figref>/<b>11</b>B, as swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b><i>a</i>, which includes annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b><i>a </i>and annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b><i>a</i>. Most aspects of this swivel coupling assembly are the equivalent of swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b>. The most notable difference is that there is no retaining ring groove or retaining ring used in this embodiment. Corresponding components in swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> are similarly numbered in swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b><i>a </i>of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> with the addition of letter designation “a”.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref>, the manner of assembling and retaining the annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b><i>a </i>and annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b><i>a </i>is depicted. Annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b><i>a </i>is inserted into annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b><i>a </i>through end <b>154</b><i>a </i>until the front side of shoulder <b>116</b><i>a </i>of barb insert assembly <b>110</b><i>a </i>abuts stop <b>161</b><i>a </i>formed in the inner surface <b>155</b><i>a </i>by changing the diameter of the bore defined by inner surface <b>155</b><i>a </i>in region <b>170</b><i>a </i>from a first diameter to a second, smaller diameter of the bore defined by inner surface <b>155</b><i>a </i>in region <b>180</b><i>a</i>. At the transition point, the stop <b>161</b><i>a </i>is formed. In this position, the outer surface <b>111</b><i>a </i>of section <b>190</b><i>a </i>of barb insert assembly <b>110</b><i>a </i>is mated with inner surface <b>155</b><i>a </i>in region <b>180</b><i>a</i>. It should be noted that the inner surface <b>155</b><i>a </i>in region <b>180</b><i>a </i>is not angled as there is no need for a wider opening and an angled transition as is the case with the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>, due to the absence of retaining ring <b>120</b>.

As with the embodiment in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref>, in the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A</figref>/<b>11</b>B wide bearing surfaces <b>131</b><i>a </i>and <b>141</b><i>a </i>are included adjacent to O-rings <b>130</b><i>a </i>and <b>140</b><i>a</i>, respectively, which are in contact with and bear against inner surface <b>155</b><i>a </i>of annular fitting sub-assembly <b>150</b><i>a </i>to provide stable bearing surfaces to protect the O-rings from abnormal loading. By wide, what is meant is that the bearing surfaces are at least as wide as the width of the annular grooves/glands <b>118</b><i>a </i>and <b>119</b><i>a </i>and preferably wider. In this embodiment, it should be noted that bearing surface <b>131</b><i>a </i>is the external surface of barb insert <b>114</b><i>a. </i>

The typical range for each bearing surface may be from 1 to 3.5 times wider than the annular grooves. By way of example, in this embodiment, bearing surface <b>131</b><i>a </i>may be 0.155 in. in width and bearing surface <b>141</b><i>a </i>may be 0.310 in. in width. With annular grooves <b>118</b><i>a</i>/<b>119</b><i>a </i>having a width of 0.095 in. the bearing surfaces <b>131</b><i>a </i>and <b>141</b><i>a </i>are respectively 1.63 and 3.26 times the width of the annular grooves. Again, this is merely a specific example and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

The O-ring seals <b>130</b><i>a </i>and <b>140</b><i>a </i>and the outer surface <b>111</b><i>a </i>in the region of the annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b><i>a </i>inside the bore of annular fitting sub-assembly may be coated with a lubricant to provide for a smoother and easier insertion and rotational movement when the coupling is installed. To further facilitate a smoother and easier insertion, proximate end <b>151</b><i>a </i>of annular fitting assembly <b>150</b><i>a </i>has a chamfered outer edge <b>166</b><i>a </i>which further helps in the smooth insertion of the annular barb insert assembly <b>110</b><i>a </i>into the annular fitting assembly.

Hose Assemblies and Kits Utilizing the Grip and/or Swivel Coupling

As indicated above, various hose assemblies and kits using the flexible tapered grip assembly and/or the swivel coupling will be described. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>, hose assembly <b>200</b><i>a </i>includes hose <b>210</b><i>a </i>which can be of any desired diameter and/or length. On a single end of hose <b>210</b><i>a </i>is installed a swivel coupling assembly such as the swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b>, as described above. It should be noted that swivel coupling <b>100</b><i>a </i>could be used instead of swivel coupling <b>100</b>. The swivel coupling assembly is secured to hose <b>210</b><i>a </i>using crimp <b>216</b><i>a</i>. On the other end of hose <b>210</b><i>a </i>may be installed a fitting other than the swivel coupling. Similarly, hose assembly <b>200</b><i>b </i>shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> includes hose <b>210</b><i>b </i>of any length but in this case, on each end of hose <b>210</b><i>b</i>, is installed a swivel coupling assembly such as swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b>, as described above. It should be noted that swivel coupling <b>100</b><i>a </i>could be used instead of swivel coupling <b>100</b>. The swivel coupling assemblies are secured to hose <b>210</b><i>b </i>using crimps <b>216</b><i>b </i>and <b>218</b><i>b</i>, respectively.

One application of hose assembly <b>200</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> to be installed on a coupling fixture application for use with a gladhand. A coupling fixture may include a swinger assembly or a pair of swinger assemblies affixed to a bulkhead (not shown). Hose assemblies <b>200</b><i>a </i>and <b>200</b><i>b </i>are shown to be affixed to coupling fixtures <b>220</b><i>a </i>and <b>220</b><i>b</i>, respectively. Hose assemblies <b>200</b><i>a </i>and <b>200</b><i>b </i>are affixed to first ports <b>222</b><i>a </i>and <b>222</b><i>b </i>by means of swivel coupling assemblies <b>212</b><i>a </i>and <b>212</b><i>b</i>, respectively. Second ports <b>224</b><i>a </i>and <b>224</b><i>b </i>of fixtures <b>220</b><i>a </i>and <b>220</b><i>b </i>are connected to gladhand fixtures <b>230</b><i>a </i>and <b>230</b><i>b</i>. Installed over hose assembly <b>200</b><i>a </i>about swivel coupling assembly <b>212</b><i>a </i>is swinger collar <b>240</b><i>a</i>. Installed over hose assembly <b>200</b><i>b </i>about swivel coupling assembly <b>212</b><i>b </i>is swinger collar <b>240</b><i>b</i>. Swinger collars <b>240</b><i>a </i>and <b>240</b><i>b </i>may contain markings or color coding to make apparent to which coupling fixture they are to be attached, for example, red for the “emergency brake” gladhand of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> and blue for the normal braking gladhand of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13B</figref> also distinguished by “ear” <b>232</b><i>b</i>. For example, swinger collar <b>240</b><i>a </i>may be the same color as glad hand <b>230</b><i>a </i>to make proper connection very easy for the installer. Likewise, swinger collar <b>240</b><i>b </i>may be the same color as gladhand <b>230</b><i>b. </i>

In another application, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, a hose coil assembly <b>300</b> is shown to include a length of hose <b>302</b>, which may be plated with heavy duty, corrosion resistant spring guards <b>304</b> (although it is not a requirement). Assembly <b>300</b> may be an air coil assembly or may be any assembly having a first and second end onto to which grips and fixtures as described herein are applied. On a first end of hose <b>302</b> may be installed a swivel coupling assembly <b>306</b>, such as swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b> or <b>100</b><i>a </i>described above. On a second end of hose <b>302</b> may be installed a grip assembly <b>308</b>, such as the flexible tapered grip assembly described herein with regard to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref>. However, it should be noted that any suitable grip assembly could be used for grip assembly <b>308</b>.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, there is shown a kit <b>400</b><i>a </i>which includes two or more assemblies, such as assemblies <b>402</b><i>a</i>, <b>404</b><i>a</i>, and <b>406</b><i>a </i>required for a particular installation, wherein the assemblies are neatly bundled together by a heavy duty spiral wrap <b>408</b><i>a</i>. Assembly <b>402</b><i>a </i>may be comprised of a hose <b>420</b><i>a </i>with a grip assembly <b>422</b><i>a </i>installed on one end and a swivel coupling <b>424</b><i>a </i>installed on the other end. Similarly, assembly <b>406</b><i>a </i>may be comprised of a hose <b>430</b><i>a </i>with a grip assembly <b>432</b><i>a </i>installed on one end and a swivel coupling <b>434</b><i>a </i>installed on the other end. The swivel coupling assemblies may be the same as swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b> or <b>100</b><i>a </i>described above. The grip assemblies may be the same as the flexible tapered grip assembly described herein with regard to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref>. However, it should be noted that any suitable grip assembly could be used for grip assemblies. Assembly <b>404</b><i>a </i>may be an electrical power assembly and comprises cable <b>440</b><i>a </i>which has electrical connectors <b>442</b><i>a </i>and <b>444</b><i>a </i>disposed on either end of cable <b>440</b><i>a</i>. Kit <b>400</b><i>a </i>may also include a banner <b>450</b><i>a </i>made of a durable plastic material wrapped about the kit to include labeling describing the kit and displaying the name brand of the product.

Kit <b>400</b><i>a </i>may further include a clamp assembly <b>460</b><i>a </i>which can be located at various positions along the lengths of the hoses/cable product to lift and secure the kit when the various assemblies are connected. Clamp assembly <b>460</b><i>a </i>is more clearly depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16A</figref> to include clamp ring <b>462</b><i>a </i>which is affixed about the assemblies and the spiral wrap and a loop <b>464</b><i>a </i>through which a line <b>466</b><i>a </i>may be tied and fastened to a point on the vehicle or other system the kit is being mounted to elevate the assemblies as needed. Kit <b>400</b><i>a </i>may include a hangar (not shown) or vertical support (not shown) attached to clamp <b>460</b><i>a </i>to hold entire kit in place relative to connection points of the hose assemblies.

Similarly, there is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref>, a kit <b>400</b><i>b </i>which includes two or more assemblies, such as assemblies <b>402</b><i>b</i>, <b>404</b><i>b</i>, and <b>406</b><i>b </i>required for a particular installation, wherein hose coil assembly <b>402</b><i>b </i>may be comprised of a hose <b>420</b><i>b </i>with a grip assembly <b>422</b><i>b </i>installed on one end and a swivel coupling <b>424</b><i>b </i>installed on the other end. Similarly, hose coil assembly <b>406</b><i>b </i>may be comprised of a hose <b>430</b><i>b </i>with a grip assembly <b>432</b><i>b </i>installed on one end and a swivel coupling <b>434</b><i>b </i>installed on the other end. The swivel coupling assemblies may be the same as swivel coupling assembly <b>100</b> or <b>100</b><i>a </i>described above. The grip assemblies may be the same as the flexible tapered grip assembly described herein with regard to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref>. However, it should be noted that any suitable grip assembly could be used for grip assemblies. Assembly <b>404</b><i>b </i>may be an electrical power assembly and comprises cable <b>440</b><i>b </i>which has electrical connectors <b>442</b><i>b </i>and <b>444</b><i>b </i>disposed on either end of cable <b>440</b><i>b. </i>

Kit <b>400</b><i>b </i>may further include a clamp assembly <b>460</b><i>b </i>which can be located at various positions along the lengths of the hoses/cable product to lift and secure the kit when the various assemblies are connected. Clamp assembly <b>460</b><i>b </i>is more clearly depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16B</figref> to include clamp rings <b>462</b><i>b </i>which are affixed about assemblies <b>402</b><i>b </i>and <b>406</b><i>b </i>and a loop <b>464</b> through which a line <b>466</b> may be tied and fastened to a point on the vehicle or other system the kit is being mounted to elevate the assemblies as needed. Kit <b>400</b><i>b </i>may include a hangar (not shown) or vertical support (not shown) attached to clamp <b>460</b><i>b </i>to hold the entire kit in place relative to connection points of the hose assemblies.

While the foregoing description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments and examples herein.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

The invention is therefore not limited by the above-described embodiments and examples, or embodiments and applications within the scope and spirit of the invention claimed as follows.